Full Description
Over the course of six decades, the American artist William Harper (b. 1944) has conjured a body of work unique in the realm of jewellery. Masterfully crafted in enamel and gold, his pieces explore multiple realms - from ancient mythology to personal iconography - and draw on influences such as African sculpture, medieval art, and modernist dance. Harper has nonetheless created an oeuvre that is instantly recognisable, branching into formats including paintings, ornamented casks, artist's books, and more. Bizarre Beauty, the definitive study of Harper and his work, includes a full biography by co-editor Glenn Adamson, as well as thematic essays and primary texts. A visual feast, the book provides an intimate look at this brilliantly imaginative artist.
Contents
6 PREFACE
Martha J. Fleischman
9 FOREWORD
Abraham
omas
11 SHAPE SHIFTER: THE LIVES OF WILLIAM HARPER
Glenn Adamson
93 SAINTS, MARTYRS, AND SAVAGES
William Harper
99 BETWEEN THE BED AND THE BROOCH
Arthur C. Danto
127 NEWS FROM ATLANTIS: WILLIAM HARPER'S EXPANDED OEUVRE
John Perreault
133 ON JASPER JOHNS
William Harper
159 A PROFOUND AFFINITY: WILLIAM HARPER AND MEDIEVAL ART
Cynthia Hahn
179 AN ORGY OF TONES: WILLIAM HARPER & THE BALLETS RUSSES
Mary E. Davis
201 THE SPIRIT THAT MOVES
A Conversation with Ugochukwu-Smooth Nzewi
211 LORD LOVE A DUCK: WILLIAM HARPER'S QUARANTINE SERIES
Toni Greenbaum
228 CHRONOLOGY 1944-2023
233 EXHIBITION HISTORY
238 BIBLIOGRAPHY
243 MUSEUM COLLECTIONS
244 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND CREDITS
246 AUTHOR BIOGRAPHIES
